2019 Architecture Business Plan Competition

Launched in 2014, this is the only U.S. competition that promotes important business fundamentals in architectural practices.

Are you a leader of a small architecture firm with an innovative plan for growth?

This unique contest recognizes small architecture firms that have invested time and resources in effective planning for their business. Over $5,000 in cash and prizes are awarded to the winner, including travel to the 2019 AIA Conference on Architecture in Las Vegas. Finalists have a unique opportunity to interface with a jury of industry leaders. Registration is free and all submissions are confidential.

Eligibility: Registrants must own an equal, or majority, share of an existing business that has received at least $100 in revenue within the past six months, is a legally registered business in the United States or Canada, and employs less than 25 full-time employees. Please; no hypothetical or prospective entries. Special exceptions to these qualifications may be considered by request. All entrants will be subject to the full rules and regulations for eligibility.

Registration for the 2019 competition is now closed. Stay tuned for updates on our finalists!

2019 CVG Architecture Business Plan Competition Jury

M. Arthur Gensler Jr., FAIA, FIIDA, RIBAFounder, Gensler

Matt Ostanik, AIAFounder and Chairman of the Board, Charrette Venture Group

Mark R. LePage, AIAFounder, EntreArchitect

Submission Process

November 15, 2018 - Registration Opens! Use our registration form belowto submit your contact information, and we’ll email you tips on “How to Write an Executive Summary” in preparation for the next step of the competition: Submitting a 1-2 page Executive Summary explaining the vision for your architecture firm’s future.

January 10, 2019 - Registration Closes, 5:00 PM CSTThis is the last day to register for the competition and to receive information on next steps.

January 31, 2019 - Executive Summaries Due, 5:00 PM CSTThis is the deadline to submit your firm’s 1-2 page Executive Summary by email (.pdf) for review by the jury. The jury will select semi-finalists to advance to the next stage of the competition.

February 21, 2019 - Semi-Finalists AnnouncedCVG will notify all applicants of the status of their submission. Semi-finalists will be publicly announced (unless they explicitly request confidentiality). CVG will email semi-finalists tips on “How To Write a Business Plan” in preparation for the next stage of the competition.

March 14, 2019 - Final Business Plan Due, 5:00 PM CSTThis is the deadline for semi-finalists to email their final Business Plan (in .pdf format) to CVG for review by our jurors. This plan includes financial statements.

March 31, 2019 - Finalists AnnouncedCVG will notify all semi-finalists of the status of their submission. Finalists will be publicly announced (unless they explicitly request confidentiality). CVG will email finalists tips on “How To Pitch Your Business Plan” in preparation for the final presentation to jurors.

March 31 - April 15, 2019 - Business Plan Video Presentations to JurorsFinalists will have the opportunity to present their business plans to jurors via video conference. Jurors will question applicants and provide constructive feedback. This is a unique opportunity for architectural firms to interface with industry leaders.

April 25, 2019 - 2019 CVG Architecture Business Plan Competition Winner(s) AnnouncedWinner(s) will be publicly announced! Over $5,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the winner, including travel to the AIA Conference on Architecture 2019 in Las Vegas.